A light path control device and an electronic device including the light path control device, which reduce color shift at a side viewing angle, are provided. The light path control device can include a light path control layer including first, second and third light control layers, and a transparent base member coupled to the first light control layer or the third light control layer. The third light control layer can have a refractive index which is lower than a refractive index of the second light control layer. The light path control layer can include a first refractive surface disposed between the first light control layer and the third light control layer, and a second refractive surface and a third refractive surface disposed between the second light control layer and the third light control layer.
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2. The light path control member of claim 1, wherein the first refractive surface and the second refractive surface are inclined at different angles with reference to a reference surface parallel to one surface of the transparent base member.
This invention relates to optical systems, specifically to a light path control member designed to manipulate light rays within a transparent base member. The problem addressed is the need for precise control of light refraction in optical devices, such as displays or sensors, where light must be directed at specific angles to achieve desired functionality. The light path control member includes a transparent base member with at least one refractive surface. The refractive surface is structured to alter the direction of light passing through the transparent base member. The invention further includes a first refractive surface and a second refractive surface, each inclined at different angles relative to a reference surface parallel to one surface of the transparent base member. This angular difference allows for customized light path control, enabling the member to redirect light in multiple directions or focus it onto specific regions. The varying angles of the refractive surfaces ensure that light can be precisely manipulated to meet the requirements of the optical system, such as improving light extraction efficiency or reducing unwanted reflections. The design is particularly useful in applications requiring high-precision light management, such as advanced displays, imaging systems, or optical sensors.
3. The light path control member of claim 2, wherein a first inclined angle of the first refractive surface with respect to the reference surface is less than a second inclined angle of the second refractive surface with respect to the reference surface.
5. The light path control member of claim 4, wherein one of the plurality of second light control patterns has a width which is narrower than a width of one of the plurality of first light control patterns.
6. The light path control member of claim 4, wherein one of the plurality of first light control patterns has a thickness which is thinner than a thickness of one of the plurality of second light control patterns.
7. The light path control member of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of first light control patterns and the plurality of second light control patterns has a stripe type, a mesh type, a tetragonal truncated-horn type, or a circular truncated-horn type.
This invention relates to a light path control member designed to manipulate light transmission in display devices, particularly for enhancing viewing angles and reducing glare. The member includes a substrate with a plurality of first light control patterns and a plurality of second light control patterns arranged in a specific configuration. The first and second patterns are positioned to intersect or overlap, creating regions where light is selectively transmitted, reflected, or diffused. The patterns can be arranged in a repeating array to form a grid-like structure, optimizing light control across the display surface. Each pattern can have various geometric shapes, including stripe, mesh, tetragonal truncated-horn, or circular truncated-horn types, allowing customization for different light management needs. The patterns may be formed using materials with varying refractive indices or light-absorbing properties to further refine light behavior. The invention aims to improve display clarity and energy efficiency by precisely controlling light paths, reducing unwanted reflections, and enhancing contrast in various lighting conditions. The design is particularly useful in applications requiring high-quality visual output, such as LCDs, OLEDs, and other advanced display technologies.
9. The light path control member of claim 8, wherein the plurality of second light control patterns are respectively disposed at the plurality of first light control patterns to each have a trapezoid cross-sectional shape where the second refractive surface is an oblique side.
10. The light path control member of claim 1, wherein the second light control layer has a refractive index which is equal to or higher than a refractive index of the first light control layer.
This invention relates to a light path control member designed to manipulate the direction of light transmission, particularly in optical systems where precise control of light paths is required. The device addresses challenges in conventional optical systems where light scattering or unintended refraction can degrade performance, such as in displays, imaging systems, or optical sensors. The light path control member includes multiple layers, including a first light control layer and a second light control layer. The second layer is positioned to interact with light passing through the first layer. A key feature is that the second light control layer has a refractive index equal to or higher than that of the first layer. This ensures efficient light transmission and minimizes losses due to reflection or scattering at the interface between the layers. The higher refractive index of the second layer can enhance light focusing or redirection, improving optical performance. The member may also include additional structural elements, such as a substrate or adhesive layers, to support the light control layers and facilitate integration into larger optical systems. The design allows for customization of light path behavior by adjusting the refractive indices of the layers, enabling applications in adaptive optics, beam steering, or light modulation. The invention improves upon prior art by providing a more efficient and controllable light path management solution.
11. The light path control member of claim 1, wherein the first light control layer has a refractive index which is higher than a refractive index of the third light control layer.
The invention relates to a light path control member designed to manipulate the direction of light transmission. The device addresses the challenge of controlling light propagation in optical systems, particularly in applications requiring precise light redirection or modulation. The light path control member includes multiple light control layers, each with distinct optical properties to influence light behavior. The first light control layer has a higher refractive index than the third light control layer, enabling controlled refraction or reflection of light as it passes through the structure. This refractive index difference allows the device to redirect light in a specific direction or focus it onto a target area. The layers may be arranged in a stacked configuration, with intermediate layers further refining light path control. The design ensures efficient light transmission while minimizing unwanted scattering or absorption. The invention is particularly useful in optical systems where precise light manipulation is required, such as in displays, sensors, or communication devices. By adjusting the refractive indices of the layers, the device can be optimized for different wavelengths or applications, enhancing performance in various optical environments. The structure may also incorporate additional layers or coatings to further enhance light control capabilities.
14. The electronic device of claim 13, wherein the light path control layer of the light path control member is coupled to a rear surface of the cover window by using a module coupling member.
15. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the flexible display panel further comprises a polarizing member disposed between the encapsulation portion and the luminance control member.
A flexible electronic device includes a flexible display panel with a polarizing member integrated between an encapsulation portion and a luminance control member. The encapsulation portion protects underlying display components, such as organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), from environmental damage. The luminance control member adjusts the brightness of the display by modulating light output. The polarizing member reduces glare and improves visibility by filtering ambient light. This configuration enhances display performance by maintaining optical quality while ensuring flexibility and durability. The device may also include a flexible substrate supporting the display layers, a touch sensor for user input, and a flexible circuit board for electrical connections. The polarizing member is positioned to optimize light transmission and minimize interference with the luminance control member's functionality. This design is particularly useful in foldable or rollable displays where maintaining optical properties under mechanical stress is critical. The integration of the polarizing member within the display stack reduces thickness and improves overall device flexibility compared to external polarizer solutions.
16. The electronic device of claim 14, wherein the luminance control member further comprises a polarizing film directly coupled to a rear surface of the transparent base member.
The invention relates to electronic devices with improved display luminance control, particularly addressing the challenge of optimizing brightness and contrast in display systems. The device includes a transparent base member positioned in front of a display panel, with a luminance control member integrated to regulate light transmission. The luminance control member features a polarizing film directly attached to the rear surface of the transparent base member. This polarizing film selectively filters light to enhance contrast and reduce glare, improving visibility under varying lighting conditions. The transparent base member may also include a light-blocking layer to further refine light modulation. The luminance control member operates by adjusting the polarization state of light passing through the polarizing film, allowing precise control over brightness levels. This design ensures efficient light management while maintaining display clarity and energy efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring high-performance displays, such as smartphones, tablets, and digital signage, where optimal luminance control is critical for user experience and energy conservation.
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December 11, 2019
November 15, 2022
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